Abstract: A method of preparing carbonaceous blocks or bodies for use in a cathode in an electrolytic cell for producing aluminum wherein the cell contains an electrolyte and has molten aluminum contacting the cathode, the cathode having improved wettability with molten aluminum. The method comprises the steps of providing a carbonaceous block and a boron oxide containing melt. The carbonaceous block is immersed in the melt and pressure is applied to the melt to impregnate the melt into pores in the block. Thereafter, the carbonaceous block is withdrawn from the melt, the block having boron oxide containing melt intruded into pores therein, the boron oxide capable of reacting with a source of titanium or zirconium or like metal to form titanium or zirconium diboride during heatup or operation of said cell.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved carbonaceous material suitable for use as a cathode in an aluminum producing electrolytic cell, the cell using an electrolyte comprised of sodium containing compounds. The carbonaceous material is comprised of carbon and a reactive compound capable of suppressing the formation or accumulation of sodium cyanide during operation of the cell, of reacting with sodium to reduce problems associated with sodium intercalation, and of reacting with one of titanium or zirconium to form titanium or zirconium diboride during operation of the cell to produce aluminum.

Abstract: A method of producing neodymium in an electrolytic cell without formation of perfluorinated carbon gases (PFCs), the method comprising the steps of providing an electrolyte in the electrolytic cell and providing an anode in an anode region of the electrolyte and providing a cathode in a cathode region of the electrolytic cell. Dissolving an oxygen-containing neodymium compound in the electrolyte in the anode region and maintaining a more intense electrolyte circulation in the anode region than in the cathode region. Passing an electrolytic current between said anode and said cathode and depositing neodymium metal at the cathode, preventing the formation of perfluorinated carbon gases by limiting anode over voltage.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved carbonaceous material suitable for use as a liner in an aluminum producing electrolytic cell, the cell using an electrolyte comprised of sodium containing compounds and the carbonaceous material penetrable by sodium or nitrogen and resistant to formation or accumulation of sodium cyanide during operation of the cell. The carbonaceous material is comprised of carbon and a reactive compound capable of reacting with one of sodium, nitrogen and sodium cyanide during operation of the cell to produce aluminum, the reactive compound present in an amount sufficient to suppress formation or accumulation of cyanide compounds in the liner.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of electrolytically separating a paint coating front a metal surface comprising the steps of providing a metal member having a surface having a paint coating thereon and contacting the member with an essentially neutral electrolytic solution. The metal member is made cathodic in an electrolytic cell and current is passed from an anode through the electrolytic solution to the metal member for a time sufficient to cause the paint coating to separate from the metal member.